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10 Motorcycles You Can Ride on a CBT License
James B · January 30, 2017
For a lot of people a CBT motorcycle licence is all they are looking for to get on two wheels. Although you’re restricted to where you can ride, displaying L plates (never cool..) and unable to take passengers, there are a plethora of motorbikes, scooters and mopeds in the 50cc - 125cc range.
The first consideration is obviously your eligibility to what size bike you can ride. Read our guide to motorcycle licences to check for yourself.
Want to see the latest bikes to hit the market for CBT riders? Check out our list of the 10 best 125cc Motorcycles in 2023.
Top 125cc motorcycles you can ride on a CBT licence
So presuming you know if you’re going for a 125cc or 50cc bike, it’s then worth thinking about your end goal. Are you looking to progress to a bigger bike in the near future? If so, a manual 125cc will give you the best experience of riding a geared motorcycle. Or are you happy on a CBT licence and just looking for a scooter to commute to work on? Then an automatic 125 or 50 could be the way to go.
In our experience, if you’re 17+ it's worth going for the extra power a 125cc scooter or motorbike can provide. It will ensure you can make it up any hills and if you decide to move onto an A, A2 or A1 licence you’ll still have enough power to carry passengers. However if you've just passed your CBT licence and you want something small and affordable, there's plenty of great 50cc bikes to consider.
Let’s start with 5 of our suggestions for:
50cc mopeds;
Vespa Sprint 50 2T
Sporty, colourful and iconic. The updated Sprint 50 is a great bike for nipping around town on in summer, imagining you are suave Italian cruising along the Mediterranean. The latter might not be reality, but the Vespa is still a well built moped, with a super comfy ride. By no means the cheapest option at around £3,200 new but Vespas do hold their value for when you decide to sell and upgrade.
Honda Vision 50
A reliable and cheaper option. The Honda Vision 50cc Scooter is popular with delivery riders as it's cheap to run (150mpg!) and a reliable bike which will chug along for miles. Also a good bike for commuting on. This 50cc moped will set you back £1,999 brand new.
Yamaha Aerox R 50
This revvy, sporty number is a great first bike for the wannabe superbike rider. Although you’ll be restricted to a causal 28mph if you're under 17, the Yamaha Aerox R 50cc moped looks and feels great,. Liquid cooled 2 stroke engine, disk brakes front and back, it’s a spec’d out moped. £2,349 brand new, but a popular bike which you can pick up cheap 2nd hand. The perfect first scooter for a year old having just passed your CBT.
Baotian Eagle 50 GT
What Baotian lacks in European heritage, it makes up for in great value. On the road brand new for an unbelievable £1,200, new mopeds don’t get much cheaper. This punchy 4 stroke 50cc, looks good and is a lightweight bike at 85Kgs.
Aprilia RS4 50 Replica
An eye watering £3,799 brand new, the Aprilia RS4 50 is for those with deep pockets and who can’t wait to be on the sports bike of their dreams. Benefiting from the technology of Aprilia’s super bikes, it’s as high tech as the 50cc motorcycle market gets. With this bike you’ll feel like the next Rossi, getting your knee down in no time. Read our review of the 125cc version.
125cc Automatic Scooters & Manual Motorcycles
17 or older? You can ride a 125cc (11Kw max) after passing a CBT on L plates. For those looking 125cc Scooters and Motorcycles, the choice becomes far more varied. Here’s 5 different bikes which really show the styles of motorbike and scooters you can ride on a CBT licence.
Scomadi TL125 (Air Cooled)
Vespa and Lambretta lovers take another look, there’s a new kid on the block from Lancashire. Launched in 2009 Scomadi are bringing their take as a ‘Modern Classic’. A beautiful scooter to look at, Scomadi is a great choice for the city rider looking for something a little different. At £2,796 new, it’s cheaper than a Vespa too.
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Honda CBF 125
One of the most popular 125cc motorcycles on the market and for good reason. Cheap, reliable and a great learner bike. If you're taking your CBT licence on a 125cc manual it’s likely to be on one of these. On the road brand new for £2,699, you can’t say fairer than that. Read our review of the new Honda CBF 125.
Yamaha WR125X
As a motocross fan I’m a bit biased when it comes to scramblers. The WR125X is a great looking bike and something a bit different. If you’re looking for that supermoto experience then look no further. £4,199 new and great for wheelies... The higher stand over height will also benefit taller riders.
Yamaha YZF-R125
Lightweight, fuel injected supersport style motorcycle. 80Mph top speed, although you won’t be doing that on the roads with a CBT licence! A beautiful bike to look at and great progression for someone planning for a big sportsbike later on. It’s lighter weight makes it an easy bike to ride in town too. On the road brand new for £4,599.
KTM 125 Duke
The first 125cc back in 2013 to have ABS, the Duke is a leading motorcycle in the 125cc range. Fuel injected, 6 speed engine it’s a seriously fun bike. The more upright riding position makes it a good bike for city riding and dodging those traffic jams. Brand new for around £3,999. Check out the RideTo review for the KTM 125 Duke.
So that’s it, 10 of our current favourite motorcycles, mopeds and scooters you can ride after getting your CBT licence. Remember those L plates and to check some insurance quotes first.